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While the world was clambering over Chryslers latest PHEV/BEV_concepts, they released a GEM of an idea ;) (http://www.cleanmpg.com/forums/showthread.php?p=150728)

http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/501/2009_GEM_Peapod.jpgWayne Gerdes – CleanMPG (www.cleanmpg.com) – Sept. 24, 2008

2009 GEM Peapod – Not for most but those who can, very interesting!

Chrysler's Neighborhood Electric Vehicle (NEV) gets a new name - 'GreenEcoMobility' - and new styling that will define and set a new standard for environmentally responsible vehicles.

Although not a car or truck given lack of safety equipment and all-around roadworthiness, the sleek streamlined styling and breakthrough innovations in this next-generation eco-friendly car can make a difference for an owner in a smaller community.

Auburn Hills, MI - Clean and green transportation gets a new look and feel as GEM introduces the next generation of clean, gas-free and emission-free, battery electric vehicles (BEV).

The vehicle’s innovative pod-like shape reflects the environmentally friendly nature that has been the hallmark of GEM since its founding 10 years ago.

The vehicle, named the GEM Peapod, is improved not just with a twenty-first century exterior but an interior offering some of the latest amenities including iPod integration and hands-free operation of a customer's iPhone.

“We have evolved the GEM design language to better reflect its eco-friendly performance and its upbeat, positive image,” said Peter Arnell, Chrysler LLC’s Chief Innovation Officer who led the design process.

“These vehicles use no gasoline and emit no pollutants. So whether it’s a trip around the neighborhood or the drive to school or work, the GEM Peapod is the ideal way to contribute to a greener planet, and a healthy lifestyle."

The re-designed GEM is scheduled for production in 2009.

In addition to the 2009 GEM Peapod NEV, GEM has plans to market a new light-duty, battery electric commercial truck and a larger city electric vehicle, with more range and performance. These vehicles are scheduled for production within the next year.

NEV’s have a top speed of 25 miles per hour, a range of up to 30 miles per charge (battery charge is extended through use of regenerative braking) and are street legal in more than 40 states. The vehicles can be recharged anytime, anywhere with a standard 110-volt outlet. Recharge time is approximately six to eight hours.

GEM vehicles have been driven a combined 200 million miles and averted more than 150 tons of pollutants from reaching the air, while saving 10 million gallons of gasoline.

Nice, but just another NEV. Other than brand history, what's this got that ZENN doesn't?

Sadly, NEVs are doomed to remain a tiny, tiny niche. What we really need are full-fledged BEV automobiles capable of >25mph, fully crash-tested and meeting all automobile safety standards (which is emphatically NOT the case with NEVs).

Max speed on the Zenn can be upped w/ laptop connection to 40ish, IIRC. Wonder whether the peapod will offer same for states with the higher NEV limit.

Also, what's the cost?

Anybody remember the cars in the Woody Allen movie "Sleeper" ? Well the Peapod reminds me of that car.

Max speed on the Zenn can be upped w/ laptop connection to 40ish, IIRC. Wonder whether the peapod will offer same for states with the higher NEV limit.

Also, what's the cost?It would be interesting to know what speeds it's physically capable of (without drastically reducing the range). Are there any states other than Montana that allow 35 mph?

I could physically drive a Zenn or GEM to work. I have a route where keeping the speed down to 35mph or less would be no problem. But strictly speaking it wouldn't be legal because a couple stretches of the route would be on roads signed for 45.

I've heard the "well, they'd never know to enforce that" angle. Those who use that argument don't know about Beaverton police. I recently had a co-worker get "pulled over" for failing to cross the street at a 90 degree angle (he was crossing at maybe an 80 degree angle).

It would be interesting to know what speeds it's physically capable of (without drastically reducing the range). Are there any states other than Montana that allow 35 mph?

I could physically drive a Zenn or GEM to work. I have a route where keeping the speed down to 35mph or less would be no problem. But strictly speaking it wouldn't be legal because a couple stretches of the route would be on roads signed for 45.

I've heard the "well, they'd never know to enforce that" angle. Those who use that argument don't know about Beaverton police. I recently had a co-worker get "pulled over" for failing to cross the street at a 90 degree angle (he was crossing at maybe an 80 degree angle).

One of our members has a Zenn in Ohio (I think) and got the higher speed working. I do not know the Kansas rule, but I cannot complete my 1.5 mile commute without encountering 40psl. Would be safe at 25 max, but maybe not legal. Certainly much more useful at 40 max. I could do almost all my local driving in it at that rate.

Any info on price?

Jimmy is the member with the Zenn in Ohio, and he reports max speed of 37 mph (range 35 miles in summer). That would be safe for me around town, staying off the expressways. Gotta check the law sometime.

This guy really doesn't like the peapod! (http://industry.bnet.com/advertising/1000659/why-arnells-peapod-electric-car-launch-will-fail/)

it seems like a good idea but with a top Landlord Insurance (http://www.landlordinsurance.org.uk/) at that range its not very practical, i guess it would be ok around town but you couldn't go anywhere important using it!!

Hi Forever:

___I think most here are tiring of NEVs as they are overpriced, not nearly capable and really do not do anything other than if you live in a golf cart like community. The believers are rabid in their support but we need a real car with a real battery and real range, not a toy to solve our Nations and worlds problems :(

___Good Luck

___Wayne